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Today’s top stories
The White House border czar, Tom Homan, made an announcement yesterday that the Trump administration will halt the immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota. The recent immigration operations in the state sparked widespread protests and resulted in the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of federal agents. Homan mentioned that improved cooperation with local law enforcement has allowed for more efficient immigration detentions to take place at jails rather than on the streets.
White House border czar Tom Homan holds a news conference at the Bishop Whipple Federal building on Feb. 12, 2026 in Minneapolis.
Steve Karnowski/AP
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Steve Karnowski/AP
- 🎧 Some officials have reported positive discussions with Homan, while several county sheriffs informed Minnesota Public Radio’s Estelle Timar-Wilcox that they have not altered their enforcement policies. Timar-Wilcox highlights on Up First that the immigration operations in the state have instilled fear among residents, particularly immigrants. Advocates stress that the trauma experienced will not simply disappear. Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota plans to request emergency funding from the federal government and state legislature for the “long road to recovery.”
- 🎧 On Morning Edition, Sen. Amy Klobuchar speaks with host Steve Inskeep regarding the enduring impact of the immigration crackdown on Minnesota.
- ➡️ A Minneapolis doctor tells NPR that he has never witnessed anything like the immigration crackdown in his over two decades of work in the city. Healthcare professionals caution that there may be lasting medical consequences for the city’s residents.
The termination of the immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota coincides with the expiration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security later today. Congress failed to advance a spending bill yesterday that would have funded the department through the end of September, with Democrats vowing not to support any bill without significant changes to immigration enforcement.
- ➡️ Last year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted 37 investigations into officers’ use of force. Of those, 18 have been closed, and 19 are still pending further investigation, as acting ICE Director Todd Lyons disclosed to lawmakers during a Senate committee hearing yesterday. Lyons did not specify if any of the investigations resulted in terminations. His statements only pertained to ICE; it remains unclear how many Customs and Border Protection officers are under review. Lawmakers did not question CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott regarding his agency’s investigations.
- ➡️ The bipartisan attempt to address immigration enforcement tactics is not the first instance in recent times where lawmakers have pledged to find common ground, only for negotiations to fall apart. Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired at the close of last year, despite the majority of Americans supporting their renewal. Heidi Heitkamp, a former Democratic senator representing North Dakota from 2013 to 2018, notes that current lawmakers see little incentive to compromise. She adds that when Congress makes promises to act and fails to do so, it diminishes public trust.
The first full week of the Milano Cortina Olympics is drawing to a conclusion. Athletes from around the globe have encountered drama, surprising upsets, and emotional moments. Catch the highlights of the Olympics every afternoon on Up First Winter Games. Here are a few noteworthy moments:
- ➡️ U.S. skier Breezy Johnson had two unforgettable moments this week: clinching a gold medal and getting engaged.
- ➡️ Ukrainians rallied together in support of their skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. He was disqualified from the Games after refusing to change his helmet, which featured images of Ukrainian athletes who lost their lives during Russia’s invasion of his country.
- ➡️ American Chloe Kim’s pursuit of becoming the first halfpipe snowboarder to win three consecutive gold medals was thwarted by her teenage protege. South Korea’s 17-year-old Gaon Choi overcame a dramatic fall to surpass Kim in the final run.
- ➡️ Athletes emphasize the need to handle this year’s Olympic medals with care. Several have reported their medals detaching from their ribbons and, in one instance, breaking in half.
